I understand Airstream upgraded their converter/inverter for 2018.
Since I'm on the verge of buying a new 2017 or ordering a 2018, please educate me on the difference and is it worth it?
I have 30 amp power where I store the RV and I'd like to be able to leave it plugged in. Or at least put a Battery Tender on the batteries. I'm tired of replacing batteries because they are discharged or overcharged.

A Progressive Dynamic charger converter will cost around $200 and you can easily install yourself. I would not let the charger converter affect any deal you are trying to make on the trailer you want 2017 or 2018.

I understand Airstream upgraded their converter/inverter for 2018.
Since I'm on the verge of buying a new 2017 or ordering a 2018, please educate me on the difference and is it worth it?
I have 30 amp power where I store the RV and I'd like to be able to leave it plugged in. Or at least put a Battery Tender on the batteries. I'm tired of replacing batteries because they are discharged or overcharged.

Interesting subject and a couple of the responses prompt me to ask...I just purchased a Battery Minder brand battery tender. I have it coupled directly to my batteries (2017 26U Flying Cloud). It automatically compensates for temperature, desulfinates, etc.

There shouldn't be any issue with leaving this plugged in all the time right?

Interesting subject and a couple of the responses prompt me to ask...I just purchased a Battery Minder brand battery tender. I have it coupled directly to my batteries (2017 26U Flying Cloud). It automatically compensates for temperature, desulfinates, etc.

There shouldn't be any issue with leaving this plugged in all the time right?

I would love to hear your ideas, experience...

Hi

As long as the battery minder is in the same enclosure as the batteries it should track the temperature. If they have an external temperature probe, that's not obvious. The stock AS solar chargers temperature compensate, but do it from inside the trailer. Turn on the air conditioning (or heat) and no more compensation.

I'd also be careful about matching the battery type up with the charger.

I like the Battery Minder concept. I'd like it better if they followed their own advice. The manual warns you to not place the minder above the battery, and put it as far away as the cables allow. So in their own pictures they show it mounted on top of a battery!!!

I'm beginning to think the only way to care for batteries is to bring them home, put them on a small charger and watch the progress.

I have a 2015 27FC, Switched out the stock inverter charger with a PD 4656, $175 on Amazon , easy DIY project, I camphost and stay plugged in for 2-3 months no problem. For storage (indoor) I leave batteries in , attached to a Battery Tender, seems to be working ok even with sub-zero temps.

I like the Battery Minder concept. I'd like it better if they followed their own advice. The manual warns you to not place the minder above the battery, and put it as far away as the cables allow. So in their own pictures they show it mounted on top of a battery!!!

I'm beginning to think the only way to care for batteries is to bring them home, put them on a small charger and watch the progress.

That's what I do. It's a little bit of hassle but necessary since I don't have power where I store the AS

The whole "keep sparks away from batteries" issue is a bit exciting. Remote probes are the "easy" way to address this. In an open area with AGM's it's not real clear that you should get very concerned about it. A sealed box with flooded cells .... that's different.